Cervical screening test

More than 70% of cervical cancers can be prevented by cervical screening.

The cervical screening test has replaced the Pap smear. The cervical screening test is a simple test done every five years to look for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that can cause cervical cell changes and may develop into cancer. By detecting a HPV infection early, it allows your healthcare provider to monitor the infection and intervene if required. Even if you have had the HPV vaccination you should still have regular cervical screening

The HPV vaccination provides protection from 9 types of HPV, including the four strains most likely to cause severe disease. Whilst the vaccine is excellent, it doesn’t protect against all forms of HPV, so cervical screening is still important for women and people with a cervix who have had the HPV vaccination.

You should have a cervical screening test every 5 years if you

• are between 25 and 74 years of age
• have ever been sexually active (any type of sexual activity not just intercourse)
• are a woman or a person with a cervix.

It makes no difference if you:

• are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight
• have had the HPV vaccination or not
• are no longer sexually active
• have been through menopause
• have been with only one sexual partner
• have experienced traditional cutting or circumcision
• have had a baby
• are pregnant (ensure to let your health care professional know).

If you have had a full or partial hysterectomy, please check with your doctor about screening.

Self collection is currently available for women and people with a cervix who are aged 30 years or over and whose last test was four or more years ago (or who have never had a cervical screen). Recent evidence shows the self collection test is just as effective as a sample taken by a doctor or nurse.

As of 1 July 2022, everyone who is due for a cervical screening test will be able to choose either self collection, or to have a sample taken by a doctor or nurse.

If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain you should see your health care professional.

For more information visit Who should get a cervical screening test?

Your healthcare worker will assist you with instructions on taking the sample. They will provide you with a swab which looks like a long-handled cotton bud. It is easy and you just need to collect cells from any part of the vaginal wall. You do not need to be able to find your own cervix.

Please note pregnancy is no longer a contraindication for self-collection. As this is a recent update to the guidelines, not all resources have been updated to reflect this change. Please see the clinical guidelines for further detail on self collection and for screening in pregnancy.

For more information visit Who should get a cervical screening test?

Contact your general practitioner (GP) or:

• visit your nearest GP Plus Health Care Centre
• SHINE SA clinic at Adelaide or Woodville
• Aboriginal health service
• community health centre.

If bulk billing is important to you, it is advisable to call the surgery to confirm your eligibility for bulk billing, before you make an appointment. If you would prefer a female health professional, don’t forget to ask if that is possible.

If you would like to do your cervical screening test using self collection, you should also check that self collection is available at your clinic before booking.

You can use the list below to find a self collection provider.

Find your nearest cervical screening self collection provider:

Please note this is not a complete list. If you are a cervical screening provider and wish to add your details to the cervical screening self collection providers table, please contact us via email: WellbeingSACANCERSCREENING@sa.gov.au

If you have any other queries, please contact us via email: WellbeingSACANCERSCREENING@sa.gov.au

For more information, visit Who should get a cervical screening test?

The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) enables a single electronic record for each person in Australia participating in the National Cancer Screening Program. It gives participants and healthcare providers better access to information on participants screening history.

It is important to keep your details up to date so the NCSR can send you reminders when are due for your next cervical screening test. For more information or to find out your due date visit the National Cancer Screening Register website or call 1800 627 701.